Montana tabs Tinkle to replace Krystkowiak

Missoula, MT (Sports Network) – The University of Montana has named Wayne
Tinkle its new men’s basketball coach. He replaces Larry Krystkowiak, who has
resigned to take a position as an assistant coach with the NBA’s Milwaukee
Bucks.

Krystkowiak posted a record of 42-20 in his two seasons with the Grizzlies and
guided his alma mater to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances.

“Larry has brought respect back to Grizzly basketball and for that we will be
forever grateful,” said Montana athletic director Jim O’Day. “He was
passionate in the way he coached and [played] for the University of Montana,
and that was evidenced in the way our team played. We knew that we could only
keep Larry so long. He’s a very talented individual and will always be sought
after. I don’t believe this is his last stop and that some day we will see him
in the NBA as a head coach like his mentor, Griz coach Mike Montgomery, who is
now the head man for the Golden State Warriors. We wish him and his family all
the best.”

Tinkle, meanwhile, is also a Montana alum. He played for the Grizzlies from
1985-89 and was a three-time Big Sky all-conference selection from his
sophomore through his senior seasons.

The 40-year-old has been an assistant at Montana for the past five years.

“We are very fortunate to have someone like Wayne Tinkle waiting in the
wings,” O’Day added. “For the past several years he’s been a stable rock on
our staff. As we’ve gone through some coaching changes he has been the one
constant and will give him an opportunity to show his talents.”

Tinkle is fifth in Montana history with 1,500 career points and fourth with
836 rebounds. He averaged 17.1 points during his senior season.

After college, Tinkle played pro basketball in leagues around the United
States and Europe for 12 seasons.

“I can’t express how excited I am to have the opportunity,” said Tinkle.
“During my playing days we could have picked anywhere to live, and we always
came back to Missoula. We love the city and the state, and we wanted to be
around the program. To now be able to run the program, along with my staff, is
a dream come true.

“I’ve had a hand in recruiting every player that is on the roster, as well as
the incoming players, and that will help with the transition,” Tinkle added.
“Our players are excited about the direction we are heading. I am humbled and
proud to pick up the torch, and we’re not going to lose any momentum.”

Montana finished the 2005-06 season with a record of 24-7, knocking off Nevada
in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before losing to Boston College in
the second round.